Baseline Tennis: Strategies and Tips for Powerful Play

OCT. 01, 2017

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Baseline Tennis: Strategies and Tips for Powerful Play

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Every top player on the pro tour plays from the baseline and it’s all about power, stamina and accuracy. To achieve all three of these powerhouse advantages, there are two shots you’ll need to perfect.

These shots are the:

Cross-Court Shot: This is where you hit the ball diagonally across the court

Down-the-Line Shot: This is where you send the ball right down the court sideline

Watch a professional match today and you’ll get to know these shots very well. When used effectively, players will hit hard and deep, resulting in a fast paced game from one side of the baseline to the other.

And while most pro players play from the baseline, they aren’t necessarily playing it the same way. There are two types of baseline players: defensive counter-punchers and aggressive shot-makers.

If you’re fast and agile, this is the style of play for you. It’s about using your speed to return every ball and extend rallies. You’re waiting for your opponent to become frustrated and make an error – either by hitting the ball out, or misjudging their court position and leaving a big space open.

2. Shot-Makers

If the power of your shot is your biggest quality, this is how you should approach baseline play. It’s about hitting hard returns and getting your opponent sprinting along the baseline. Cross-court shots are your main weapon, and it’s the shot you can use to win the point, once you’ve opened up some space.